Selected by our Editorial Experts

One of our Books of the Year 2013 A debut of enormous charm about a lonely orphan named Bee who escapes a travelling carnival in the company of a small, equally lonely dog. She and the dog are taken in by two women and to Bee these women matter to her and yet no one else seems to see them. Yet they are helping Bee realize that she, too, matters to the world - if only she will let herself be a part of it. With an arrestingly original voice, this book stays with you long after reading. Anyone who has ever felt lonely will find a friend in Bee.

Synopsis

The Daring Escape of Beatrice and Peabody by Kimberly Newton Fusco

Bee is an orphan who lives with a travelling carnival. Every day she endures taunts for the birthmark on her cheek - though her beloved Pauline, the only person who has ever cared for her, tells her it is a precious diamond. When Pauline is sent to work for another carnival, Bee is lost. Then a scruffy dog shows up, as unwanted as she, and Bee realizes that she must find a home for them both. She runs away to a house with gingerbread trim where two mysterious women, Mrs Swift and Mrs Potter, take her in. They clothe her, though their clothes are strangely out of date. They feed her, though there is nothing in their house to eat. They help her go to school, though they won't enter the building themselves. And only Bee seems able to see them...

Reviews

The Daring Escape Of Beatrice And Peabody by Kimberly Newton Fusco (Faber, GBP6.99), tells the story of Beatrice, an orphan, who works the hot dog stand at a travelling fair and tries to stay unnoticed. With a birthmark covering almost half of her face, it's not always easy to escape unwanted attention, however. With just a scruffy little dog for a friend, there comes a time when Beatrice has to leave the fair, and find a real home for them both. A lovely story with a touch of magic. -- Sarah Kingsford Sunday Express 20130721 Kimberly Newton Fusco's The Daring Escape of Beatrice and Peabody whisks you away to a hot dog stall and travelling fair in America during the war. There is a supernatural element here too, and an awkward attempt to jam local historical figures into a story that is engrossing enough in itself. But this third novel by Newton Fusco is a real keeper. -- Kate Kellaway The Observer 20130728 The reader is completely won over The School Librarian

About the Author

Kimberly Newton Fusco is the author of two previous, award-winning novels for children published in the USA, Tending to Grace and The Wonder of Charlie Anne. Before becoming a novelist, Ms. Fusco, a graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York City, was an award-winning reporter and editor for the Worcester, Massachusetts, Telegram & Gazette. She lives in Foster, Rhode Island, with her family. You can visit her on the web at kimberlynewtonfusco.co